Nancy Langenhuizen

Our mother, Nancy Susan Langenhuizen, at 63 years young, went to heaven on Thursday, March 8th, 2018. She was wrapped tightly in the arms of her three daughters, Melinda, Catherine, and Christina while they had a chance to tell her how much she was loved and say their goodbyes. The disease that stole her away was ruthless and devastating, but her heart was beating strong until her final breaths. She lived her life with dignity and grace even until the end; gone too young, too soon, and too good of a person to leave this life. Nancy was a gem in this world and well-known for her strength and independence.

Nancy was born July 5th, 1954 to George and Ilamae Langenhuizen, the youngest of “3 rotten brothers,” as she’d joke. Raised as a Kimberly Papermaker, she couldn’t wait to leave her hometown in Wisconsin to pursue a career. She completed her Associates Degree at Fox Valley Technical College while working at Night Hawk’s and Cleo’s in Appleton. She took pride in being able to purchase her own car, after working hard in HR and Administration at Kimberly Clark, and later supporting a pharmaceutical company and legal firm.

Mom’s life transformed when she moved to New Milford, CT and became a mother to her babies. She made dear friends and enjoyed raising her three daughters as a stay-at-home Mom. In Connecticut, she shared her love of sewing and smocking by teaching classes during the evenings. Ten years later, life brought her back home to the Fox Valley where she ran a very successful and reputable specialty store called, Soccer Plus and Sports Connection. She was an admirable business woman and skilled entrepreneur, owning apartments, “The Store,” and a wedding decoration business.

Our Mom loved to plant flowers every spring and enjoyed beautiful fall colors. Her four hanging baskets were always kept watered and her blooming tulips were like something out of a magazine. She was often found sitting on her front porch, especially when storms were rolling in. In the mornings, she liked her coffee brewed at home and ended many nights cuddling with her beloved grandkids. We heard her tell funny stories about playing blackjack at the casino and about special road trips she took with her sister. Our Mom was a strong swimmer, she loved the Packers, and always took great care of her car. What we believe she will be remembered for most are the ways she made others feel special with open ears and open arms to have genuine heart-to-hearts that made lasting friendships. She did all of this while always flying by the seat of her pants.

Surpassing all the ways she made others around her feel special, our Mom spent every single day making sure we, her daughters, were surrounded by love. Our days were filled with everything from the tough love with her beautiful nails, to the unconditional love with her wise words of guidance. She taught us how to be strong and confident through heartbreak and taught us how to be humble and kind as we “pick and choose battles.” And our Mom always reminded us of the importance of family. She was the best Mother three little girls could have ever asked for.

Nancy is survived by her three daughters Melinda (Nick) Lamphere, Catherine Johannes and Christina (Joe) Stiehm. Her grandchildren, Hannah, Alaina, Jackson, and Ethan. Her siblings, Tom (Jean) Langenhuizen, Ron (Dee) Langenhuizen, Mark (LuAnn) Langenhuizen, Jane (Vic) Werner, and Lori (Jim) Van Dyke, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom sewed herself some wings and joined her parents, George and Ilamae and brother Lyle up in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy would like you to “take your money” and go out to eat with your loved ones or go make a special day together in her memory. She told us all the time that life is precious and you should be grateful for each and every day. To celebrate Nancy’s favorite time of the year and with spring right around the corner, we hope you can wear bright, beautiful colors when we come together to honor her life.

We invite loved ones, family, and friends to her Celebration of Life at 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 17th at WICHMANN, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI. A time of visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until the time of service. We would be grateful to hear a little memory or story while we are gathered to honor this beautiful and intelligent woman we were blessed to call Mom.